Safeway Slated to Top $100 Million Contribution Mark to Easter Seals and Families Living with Autism and Other Disabilities with Launch of Fundraisin...( April campaign notes Aut...),Health

April campaign notes Autism Awareness Month and offers a challenge to businesses

CHICAGO, April 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, executives from Safeway (NYSE: SWY), Easter Seals and Special Olympics launched the grocery retailer's annual fundraising campaign for people with disabilities in Washington, D.C., by challenging employers to tap into what they call an "extraordinary resource" of people who are ready and willing to work.

Each April, Safeway stores raise funds to help children and adults with autism and other disabilities by asking shoppers to donate to Easter Seals, the largest non-profit provider of autism and disability services, and Special Olympics at checkout. The annual campaign coincides with Autism Awareness Month and Easter Seals' efforts to raise awareness about the services and treatments the organization provides to families living with autism.

In 2008 alone, Safeway raised $9.3 million for Easter Seals services. This year, Safeway plans to raise even more -- likely exceeding the $100 million mark for total contributions to Easter Seals since the two organizations' partnership began in 1986.

Realizing an Extraordinary Resource

Safeway's commitment to the cause runs far beyond the annual fundraising campaign--it's business. Today, the company employs more than 10,000 adults with disabilities, giving many a career and a means to live independently.

"For years, Safeway and its family of grocery stores have worked to raise funds and bring attention to Easter Seals' critical mission," says Larree Renda, Safeway Executive Vice President and Chair of the Safeway Foundation. "Most important, is the message that people with autism and other disabilities are valuable members of the workforce -- even in these tough economi
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